OPEN MINDS Releases Briefing Series On ACO Market

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (December 20, 2015) — OPEN MINDS released a series of three Market Intelligence Reports that provide in-depth coverage about Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models. The premise behind the accountable care organization (ACO) model is to lower the cost of care for a population while improving (or at least maintaining) quality of care. At this time, there are several different ACO models in place, and those models can vary from state to state.

The three reports review the many different aspects of the ACO models, including the payment systems, how Medicaid & Medicare models vary, the differences among the Medicaid ACO models from state to state, and the different reimbursement models currently in place. Several essential reference charts are also available in the reports, such as:

• A comparison chart of the attributes of the three MSSP models
• The financial model and shared savings calculation formula for MSSP ACOs
• The financial model and shared savings calculation formula for Next Generation ACOs
• The MSSP quality measures
• The Next Generation ACO quality measures

A short summary of each report follows.

How Is The Medicare ACO Performance Payment System Structured?
This report answers a number of questions related to the Medicare performance and reimbursement models for Medicare ACOs. It begins with a detailed explanation of an accountable care organization and the Medicare Shared Savings program. Readers will learn about the ACO models currently in place and the changes being made to those programs. The report also details how beneficiaries are attributed under each model.

What Are the Medicaid ACOs? How Do They Differ From Medicare ACOs?
In this report, the OPEN MINDS team provides a detailed look at Medicaid ACOs and how they differ from Medicare and Commercial ACOs. The report also looks at state Medicaid programs that have implemented ACOs, including the approval process to implement a Medicaid ACO. The key features of the different state models are also reviewed.

What Are The Different Medicaid Performance & Reimbursement Models For ACOs?
There are currently nine state Medicaid programs with Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models, and there are a number of different variables that make each of the nine initiatives unique. This report discusses the different Medicaid performance and reimbursement models for ACOs and the key features of each model. Each of the nine current state models are reviewed in detail.

“We receive many questions from subscribers about ACOs,” explains Monica E. Oss, OPEN MINDS Chief Executive Officer. “Our team took the opportunity to create a series of reports that take a deep dive into the different ACO models in place. When evaluating a Medicaid ACO initiative, it’s important to consider all the factors that shape the model, including populations covered, population assignment, provider participation rules, ACO flexibility, and the range of risk sharing. This series is incredibly informative and provides all of this information in three easy-to-read reports.”

The Market Intelligence Reports are published weekly by the OPEN MINDS team of experts, providing readers with a data-rich resource that dives deep into critical topics affecting organizations in the health and human services field. The reports are provided as a free resource to Premium members of the OPEN MINDS Circle. Click here for details on how to become a premium member. The reports are also available for purchase in the OPEN MINDS store by clicking here.

OPEN MINDS is a national market intelligence firm specializing in the sectors of the health and human service industry serving individuals with complex support needs: mental health; addiction treatment; children & family services; intellectual & developmental disabilities; chronic disease management; long term care; social services; correctional health care, reentry & diversion; and juvenile justice.

Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 75+ associates believe by providing the latest market intelligence and management best practices to organizations serving the health and social support needs of the most vulnerable consumers, those organizations will be better able to provide efficient and effective services. Learn more at www.openminds.com.

For additional questions and inquiries, please contact Tim Snyder, Vice President, Marketing, OPEN MINDS at 717-334-1329 or openminds@openminds.com.